Dishing Up Nutrition

In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, dietitian Amy Crum explains how to identify if you’re lactose intolerant and what symptoms to watch for. Learn the difference between lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity, why some people have trouble digesting lactose, and how gut health affects this process. If you’ve ever wondered whether dairy is causing your symptoms, this episode offers clear, practical guidance.

After a concussion or traumatic brain injury, many people are told to rest and wait it out. But that is only part of the picture. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, licensed dietitians Britni Vincent and Brandy Buro share how real food nutrition can play a powerful role in brain recovery. They explain what happens in the brain after injury, why inflammation and blood sugar balance matter, and which foods and supplements may help support healing.

How much should you weigh? In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietician Leah Kleinschrodt breaks down common tools like BMI and ideal body weight formulas, where they fall short, and why weight alone doesn’t tell the full story. She also shares the health markers and lifestyle factors that matter more, from blood sugar and cholesterol to energy, sleep, body composition, and sustainable habits.

In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Melanie Beasley and Brandy Buro discuss multiple sclerosis (MS) and the role of nutrition in supporting brain health and managing symptoms. Learn how inflammation, blood sugar balance, and nutrient deficiencies can impact MS, and discover how simple, practical diet strategies and real-food nutrition may help support the nervous system. If you or a loved one is navigating MS, this episode offers supportive, nutrition-focused guidance.

In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, licensed nutritionist Kara Carper explores the connection between depression and gut bacteria, explaining how the gut-brain axis, serotonin production, inflammation, and microbiome diversity may influence mood and mental health. She shares current research on the link between depression and the gut microbiome, along with practical nutrition steps to support healthier gut bacteria.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, and research continues to show the important role nutrition and gut health play in prevention and recovery. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, Kara Carper and Brandy Buro explain how diet, inflammation, and the microbiome influence colon health. Learn practical food strategies that support digestive health, including increasing fiber, prioritizing whole foods, and limiting ultra-processed foods.

What causes shingles to flare up later in life? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitian Amy Crum explains how the shingles virus can reactivate when the immune system is weakened. You’ll learn common shingles risk factors and simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help support immune health, including the role of vitamin D, zinc, quality sleep, stress management, and balanced blood sugar.

In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent discuss what causes kidney stones, warning signs to look out for, and how nutrition plays a crucial role in prevention. Find out why hydration is the most vital factor, how sugar, soda, sodium, and ultra-processed foods increase your risk, and why a balanced, real-food diet with enough magnesium and calcium can help protect your kidneys. If you’ve had a kidney stone before or want to lower your risk, this episode shares practical strategies to help prevent them from coming back.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil and how to choose the right one for your needs. Learn how omega-3 fats support heart, brain, and inflammation health, why EPA and DHA matter, and when cod liver oil’s added vitamin A and vitamin D may or may not be helpful. Alyssa also shares simple tips for choosing a quality omega-3 supplement and getting more omega-3s from foods like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

The new Dietary Guidelines were recently released, and in this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Teresa Wagner and Brandy Buro talk through the highlights and what they could mean for your health. They discuss key themes like prioritizing whole foods, protein, healthy fats, fiber, and reducing added sugars and ultra-processed foods, while offering practical insight on how to apply these ideas in real life.

In this Ask a Nutritionist mini episode, dietitian Teresa Wagner breaks down what your pancreas actually does (hello, blood sugar balance and digestion), how pancreatitis develops, and which everyday food and lifestyle choices either stress or support this hard-working organ. She explains what an anti-inflammatory, real-food way of eating looks like for pancreas health, how to balance protein, carbs, and healthy fats, why alcohol and ultra-processed foods are so hard on the pancreas, and how things like hydration, smaller meals, and digestive enzymes can make a big difference in comfort and healing.

In this uplifting client story, Britni Vincent, RD, LD, talks with longtime Nutritional Weight & Wellness client Shawna about her son’s autism diagnosis and the incredible progress he made in just one year. Shawna shares the early signs she noticed, the emotional impact of hearing “on the spectrum,” and how their family combined therapies with a gluten- and dairy-free, real-food approach and targeted supplements to support his brain and gut. You’ll hear how sensory overload, anxiety, and social challenges began to ease, how she advocated for school support, and why she wants other parents to know there is always something you can do to help your child feel and function better.

In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, our registered dietitian, Leah Kleinschrodt, explains how to read a nutrition label the smart way. Learn why the ingredients list matters more than calories, how to spot hidden sugars, what serving sizes really mean, and how to evaluate carbs, fats, and protein for better blood sugar balance. If you’ve ever felt confused in the grocery aisle, this episode gives you simple, practical tools to shop with confidence.

A new high blood pressure diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when the only advice you hear is “cut the salt” or “lose weight.” In this episode, Kara Carper and Brandy Buro break down what to change first to start lowering blood pressure naturally.

Is dairy bad for your heart… or actually helpful? In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Amy Crum clears up the confusion around dairy and heart health. Learn which dairy foods support heart health and which ones don’t, why full-fat fermented dairy can be a better choice than fat-free options, and how sugar and refined carbs play a much bigger role in cholesterol and triglycerides than butter ever did. Plus, butter vs. margarine, what to look for on labels, and how to include dairy in a heart-healthy, real-food way.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can show up as winter blues, low energy, low motivation, brain fog, and stronger sugar cravings. In this episode, dietitians Melanie Beasley and Brittni Vincent explain why SAD happens and what actually helps. You’ll get simple, natural solutions; they also cover why sleep, caffeine, and alcohol can make symptoms worse in winter.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Alyssa answers a common question: Can you take too many vitamins or supplements? The short answer is yes, and she explains how vitamin toxicity can happen when people take mega-doses or stack multiple supplements with overlapping nutrients. You’ll learn which vitamins deserve the most caution, signs of taking too much, and why iron is one of the easiest nutrients to overdo. Alyssa also shares how to supplement safely, why food should come first, and when lab testing can help guide the right dose.

Sugar doesn’t just affect your waistline; it can quietly affect your heart, too. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner connect the dots between sugar (and high-carb foods), blood sugar spikes, inflammation, triglycerides, and cholesterol patterns that raise cardiovascular risk. You’ll learn where “hidden” sugar shows up most often, which lab markers matter most, and simple real-food next steps so you can support heart health without extreme dieting.

Is yogurt really good for your gut…or is it secretly dessert in disguise? In this episode, Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD shares how to choose the healthiest yogurt, what “live cultures” actually means, and other fermented foods that support gut health.

Most people don’t think about bone health until a DEXA scan (or a fracture) makes it feel urgent. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent share everyday habits and real-food strategies to slow bone loss and support stronger bones, especially in midlife and beyond.

Morning sickness can make eating feel overwhelming, especially during a time when your body needs extra nourishment. In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, registered dietitian Britni Vincent explains why morning sickness happens and how blood sugar, hormones, and metabolism all play a role. She shares practical, real-food strategies to help you feel better and stay nourished, even when your appetite is low or unpredictable.

Is your mouth giving you clues about your whole-body health? Leah Kleinschrodt, RD talks with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, integrative dentist and naturopath, about what your teeth and gums can reveal, why common “dental fixes” deserve a closer look, and how food and minerals fit into the bigger picture. Listener questions are included, and you’ll want to hear her take on fluoride.

Can fiber actually lower cholesterol? Yep. Dietitian Amy Crum breaks down why soluble fiber is the real MVP for LDL, how your gut plays a role, and easy food upgrades to increase fiber without blowing up your blood sugar. She also covers when supplements can be a helpful backup.

Thinking about GLP-1 meds, already on one, or just curious what the hype is about? Dietitians Britni Vincent and Brandy Buro explain what GLP-1 is, why nutrition support matters more (not less) while taking these medications, and how to protect your metabolism, muscle, and digestion along the way.

Tired of meat, but still want the benefits of protein? Dietitian Alyssa Krejci breaks down why protein matters, why animal protein is often the most efficient, and how to hit your needs with easier, more enjoyable options, including a simple “protein stacking” approach.

Protein is trending, but most people still aren’t eating enough of it, especially at breakfast. In this episode, registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent share the sneaky signs you’re low in protein and simple ways to start getting more real-food protein into your day.

This episode was originally broadcast on 12-23-2024. After trying to lose weight in the past without much success, Cheryl joined our Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Foundations program, took the ongoing support classes, participated in our cooking classes, and worked with our dietitians. Two years later, she’s joining us on our podcast with her dietitian Teresa to share her story of achieving AND maintaining significant weight loss… and even better… finding peace with food, feeling good, and improving her health markers. Tune in to this episode to hear Cheryl and Teresa talk about the before, what she did to lose the weight, and what she’s doing now to enjoy and keep her health for the long haul.

If a nutritionist were setting your 2026 health goals, where would they tell you to start? In this episode, registered dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner share the foundational habits they recommend most often, including simple nutrition priorities, realistic goal setting, and small changes that actually stick. It’s a refreshingly doable approach to starting the new year feeling supported, not overwhelmed.

Cortisol gets a lot of blame when it comes to weight gain, especially around the midsection - but what does this stress hormone actually do? In this Ask a Nutritionist replay, registered dietitian Britni Vincent explains how cortisol works in the body, how stress, sleep, food, and blood sugar influence it, and why managing daily stressors is crucial.

If you’ve heard you should “eat more protein” but aren’t sure why or how it applies to menopause, this episode is for you. Dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain what’s happening in the body during this phase of life and why protein is foundational for feeling strong, steady, and nourished.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, registered dietitian Amy Crum shares how to bring party food and mocktails that actually support steady energy, balanced blood sugar, and feeling good during the holidays, without being boring or complicated. If you’re tired of defaulting to the veggie tray (or feeling “off” after parties), this episode will give you practical, dietitian-approved guidance to help you show up nourished and confident, no recipe hunting required.

The holidays are full of food, treats, parties, and pressure-and even nutritionists have to navigate it all. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Britni Vincent and Brandy Buro share what they actually do to feel good through the holiday season without missing out. This is a realistic, no-guilt conversation about eating real food, staying nourished, and enjoying the holidays in a way that supports your health and your happiness.

Confused about which cooking oils are actually healthy, and which ones turn harmful once they hit the pan? This episode breaks down the oils we trust in our kitchens and why. You’ll learn the difference between extra virgin, cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, refined, “light,” and more… plus which oils hold up to high heat and which should stay at low temps or off the stove entirely. If you’ve ever wondered whether olive oil is safe for roasting or what to use for high-heat cooking, this episode gives you a simple, real-food guide to choosing the right oil every time. This episode originally aired August 17, 2023 with the title "Good Oils"

Struggling with mental fatigue, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent break down the root causes of brain fog and how simple nutrition shifts can help clear the mental haze. They discuss blood sugar balance, inflammation, gluten sensitivity, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress, hydration, and the surprising foods that can either fuel or drain your brain. Learn what to eat (and what to avoid), how to build brain-boosting meals, and the lifestyle habits that support clearer thinking, steadier moods, and better long-term brain health.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Brandy Buro walks you through the key labs she likes to see at an annual physical, including vitamin D, fasting glucose, insulin, A1C, liver enzymes, and a full cholesterol panel. She also explains advanced heart-health markers, when tests like ferritin or thyroid panels are helpful, and how “optimal” ranges differ from standard “normal” lab ranges. You’ll learn how to prepare for bloodwork, what to ask your doctor for, and how to use your results as a roadmap for better energy, mood, metabolism, and long-term health.

Looking for gifts that actually support health, not clutter the house? In this festive episode, Britni and Brandy share their handpicked wellness gift guide for 2025, featuring real-food kitchen staples, nourishing snack ideas, high-quality supplements, movement-friendly favorites, and thoughtful self-care gifts. From Dutch ovens and sharp chef’s knives to collagen, omega-3s, and cozy blankets, you’ll find practical, meaningful ideas for everyone on your list. If you want to give gifts that truly make people feel better--inside and out--this episode has all the inspiration you need.

In this episode, Mel and Kara break down the simple, real-food strategies that help you enjoy the season without the blood sugar crashes, cravings, or cardiometabolic backslide. Learn how holiday habits impact triglycerides, HDL, and insulin sensitivity--and how small changes (like eating before an event, building balanced meals, and the 50% movement rule) can keep you energized, steady, and feeling your best. If you want to stay healthy without missing out on the fun, this episode gives you a practical plan you can actually follow.

If your belly feels flat in the morning but looks and feels like a “food baby” by afternoon, this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition is for you. Nutritionist Kara Carper and dietitian Brandy Buro break down the real reasons you’re still bloated after eating--from common triggers like dairy, gluten, sugar alcohols, carbonated drinks, and food additives to deeper issues like gut bacteria imbalances, low stomach acid, and SIBO. They’ll help you spot your personal triggers, explain when probiotics and digestive enzymes actually help (and when they don’t), and walk you through what a bloat-friendly, real-food day of eating can look like.